I don't know how they ended up dissapearing in your unit.... It looks like according to Garmin, the Geko's are supposed to store waypoints in non-volatile memory (Doesn't depend on the batteries to keep the memory)...

Backup depends on which model you have.... If you have the 101, you're out of luck. If you have the 201 or higher, you should have a data cable port on your unit (aka RS232). What you would need is the correct cable to connect up to your computer. Then you could use any of the programs like EasyGPS (www.easygps.com - free. Specific Geocaching version linked from the geocaching.com 'Links' page) for waypoint management....

Have you had to do any firmware updates yet, like we do with the Etrex Vista? A couple of the half-dozen or so firmware updates I've done with my Vista wiped out all my stored waypoints and routes. I've started dumping my GPS back into Mapsource on my PC every once in a while just so I know I can still get them if my memory gets wiped again._________________There comes a time in every young boy's life when he gets an irresistible urge to seek buried treasure.--Mark Twain